I’m headed to the desert, race fans. More specifically, Johnson Valley, Calif., for King of the Hammers. I’m pumped to attend, but also a little freaked out. Why? Because credit cards and cell phones are useless in Hammertown.

Welcome to Hammertown

Each year, thousands of hardcore spectators and more than 400 competitors flood Johnson Valley to create the city affectionately known as Hammertown. King of the Hammers includes racing throughout the week, with the Mack Daddy of them all, the Nitto King of the Hammers, taking place Friday. The event was conceived by a pair of racers in search of bragging rights and a case of beer. Get all the details here.

King of the Hammers combines desert racing and rock crawling throughout 200 miles of grueling trails. It’s no wonder nearly 80,000 people are expected to flood this otherwise deserted valley Feb. 1-9 to witness all the havoc.

Check out what off-road racer and King of the Hammers veteran Levi Shirley says about preparing for the world’s toughest race.

This year, Team AMSOIL will be onsite for all the action. Here’s a rundown of where you’ll find us.

During the Day

Stop by the AMSOIL booth on Vendor Row all week to complete our survey and score a free exclusive King of the Hammers buff. We will also be providing AMSOIL synthetic lubricants in the BFG Garage as well as oil recycling to help competitors throughout race week.

When the Sun Goes Down

Stick around into the evening for “AMSOIL Afterdark.” Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at 8 p.m. MT, Tiffany Stone and her special guests will host a live recap of race day. Guests include AMSOIL Rock Royalty, Brad Lovell and Bryce Menzies, among others (#TeamAMSOIL). AMSOIL Afterdark will be streamed live on www.ultra4racing.com.

Menzies Takes to the Hammers for the First Time

Speaking of Bryce Menzies, the veteran off-road racer will be competing in his first King of the Hammers event this year. Check out the video to see what it takes to get his Polaris RZR set-up for the Lakebed. We’ll have more to come this Friday on our Facebook page.

And be sure to tune into our social media channels for updates throughout race week. Check out a complete schedule of events here.

I’ve got my goggles, hiking boots and hoodie packed. What else do I need to bring? Tell me below. We’ll see you in the Lakebed!